Dream Team: What We Want In A New Smash Bros.

Nintendo has always crammed its Smash Bros. titles with as many references to its stable of heroes as possible. But 2008’s Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii was packed tighter than a college student’s suitcase, so who’s left to include in the upcoming Wii U entry? We have some ideas.

[This list was put together with the assistance of GI staffers Jeff Cork, Ben Hanson, Tim Turi, and Dan Ryckert]

Characters

Your Mii Nintendo has made it clear that Miis will be a big part of the Wii U, and the idea of injecting yourself into the combat of Smash Bros. is too enticing to pass up. Your character will most likely have an array of sports paraphernalia for attacking opponents (like a tennis racket and bowling balls), but thanks to Wii Sports Resort your character will also be handy with a bow and a sword.Likelihood: 95%

Waluigi (Mario series)While he still hasn’t received his own game, Waluigi has been a mainstay in Mario sports titles since Mario Tennis on the Nintendo 64. We think the lanky, evil counterpart to Luigi would be a natural fit in Smash Bros., and we’d expect him to have some serious reach with his kicks.Likelihood: 89%

Prince Fluff (Kirby’s Epic Yarn)Since he was originally the star of Epic Yarn until Kirby was injected into it, the next Smash Bros. is the perfect opportunity to let Prince Fluff shine. His yarn-whip would be the perfect weapon and his car form could make for some adorable hit-and-runs.Likelihood: 85%

Paper Mario (Paper Mario series)We got Dr. Mario in the last game, but one of Mario’s coolest incarnations was in 2001’s Nintendo 64 title Paper Mario. A Paper Mario version of Mario could turn sideways and almost disappear from view (a power that could cut both ways if players lose sight of their own character), get caught in the wind and drift upwards, or slip between a character’s legs to immediately start attacking them from behind. Likelihood: 72%

Toadstool (Super Mario Bros. series)Toad’s had to suffer the indignity of being Peach’s human (?) shield for some time now, which is why this little 'shroom is ready for prime time. He’s proven that he can take a beating, and the roster could benefit from having another small, speedy character a la Pichu. Shouldn’t he be allowed to prove for once and for all that he truly is the best?Likelihood: 66%

Quote (Cave Story)Cave Story’s protagonist would be a great addition to the game. His pixelated weapons would make for a ranged but lethal opponent. He could use his machine-gun jetpack as a hover mechanic and have King the Mimiga fly out of his blade for a final smash. Likelihood: 50%

Epic Mickey (Epic Mickey)Epic Mickey was one of the biggest third-party games for the Wii, and it’s been reported that Miyamoto used to idolize Walt Disney. If Disney was all right with Junction Point creating a dark and twisted world called Wasteland for Mickey to explore, you would think the company would happily allow its mascot to go up against Solid Snake’s Nikita Missile or be eaten by Kirby. Mickey could use his paintbrush to create objects and platforms for himself or just throw his paint thinner in the eyes of an opponent. We could only hope that his choice of weapon would change his appearance from noble Mickey to scrapper Mickey.Likelihood: 41%

Doc (Punch-Out!!) Brawl’s Pokémon Trainer character is a great template for Doc, who could summon a variety of fighters from the Punch-Out!! series. It might not make any sense to have Little Mac’s corner man backing swappable fighters like Bald Bull, King Hippo, and Glass Joe, but we’d like to see an exception made just this once. It is Smash Bros., after all.Likelihood: 34%